Patty Ritchie's posts related to Families

State Senator Patty Ritchie has announced that a bill she voted in favor of to close a gaping legal loophole in New York State that makes it legal to view online child porn has been signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

“I applaud Governor Cuomo for his leadership and for acting quickly to support a measure that would protect the children of New York State,” said Senator Ritchie.

State Senator Patty Ritchie joined Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County staff and board members as well as local community members recently to cut the ribbon on the organization’s new shelter.

Serving the community since 1979, the Victims Assistance Center assists and provides direct services to victims of violence and crime in Jefferson County.

State Senator Patty Ritchie recently joined community members at the Children’s Home of Jefferson County’s SoZo Teen Center, to celebrate the donation of 16 computers to the center by UnitedHealthcare.

State Senator Patty Ritchie has announced she has secured $50,000 in special funding to help the Village of Clayton offset the costs associated with a playground being rebuilt in the Village.

“Situated on the beautiful St. Lawrence River, the Village of Clayton is a community loved by both tourists and local residents,” said Senator Ritchie. “This funding not only will help the municipality manage costs associated with improving the park, it will also give residents and visitors a new and improved family-friendly way to spend their time.”

“From a new hotel to new restaurants, Clayton has seen a number of improvements recently,” said Village Mayor Norma Zimmer. “Our park has been used by children and families for generations and we are extremely grateful for the funding provided by Senator Ritchie, which will help us cover the costs of revitalizing and improving this fantastic community resource.”

State Senator Patty Ritchie today is praising passage of legislation that will provide females across New York State with new protections when it comes to discrimination, sexual harassment and domestic violence.

The historic measures passed Monday mark the first legislative act of 2015 and are the components of a comprehensive Women’s Equality Agenda, made up of bills that would stop human trafficking; ensure equal pay for equal work; combat sexual harassment in the workplace; end gender discrimination in employment, housing and credit decisions; make reasonable work accommodations available for pregnant women; and provide stronger protections for domestic violence victims.

“In every corner of our state and across our nation, women are breaking glass ceilings and reaching new heights. However, we cannot turn a blind eye to the things that often hold them down—namely the discrimination, harassment and abuse that often happen in the workplace and in our society at large,” said Senator Ritchie.